Pros & cons
PROS
- One‑way routing reduces bottlenecks at bridges and stairs
- Bridges and boardwalks keep feet dry even when Queer Creek runs high
CONS
- Waterfall can be a trickle in dry spells, underwhelming in midsummer
- Many steps—tough on knees and challenging for some dogs
Cedar Falls parking area at 21724 Ohio 374 Scenic, Logan, OH 43138; three lots with on‑site restrooms.
Expect many stairs and slick, muddy surfaces after rain; the trail is one‑way, has uneven rock, and wading or swimming is prohibited. Cell service can be spotty; some stairways may challenge certain dogs even on leash.
Overview
This is the park’s quick-hit waterfall walk: a roughly 0.5‑mile loop to Cedar Falls, a 50‑foot cascade dropping over layers of Blackhand sandstone in the Queer Creek gorge. Expect a short but gorgeous dose of shady forest, bridges, boardwalks, and sculpted rock. The route is signed as one‑way, which helps keep traffic flowing on busy days.
Geology and history
You’re walking through time carved in stone. Over 330 million years ago this area lay beneath an ancient sea; sand and gravel settled into the Blackhand sandstone seen throughout the gorge. Streams and groundwater later chiseled today’s cliffs, recesses, and the falls themselves. Early settlers misidentified the surrounding hemlocks as cedars—hence the name.
Route and difficulty
From the parking area, descend stairways and a dirt path into the gorge, follow signed bridges and a short boardwalk to the base of the falls, then climb a final series of steps to close the loop. It’s short, but the steps make it feel moderately strenuous for some. Plan about 30–60 minutes total. Elevation gain is modest (~91 feet), but the stair work is concentrated.
What you’ll see
Cedar Falls varies from a thunderous curtain after rains to a delicate veil in drier spells. Along the way, look for narrow rock passages, small cavern-like niches, and the namesake hemlocks shading the trail. The constant cool of the gorge and the sound of Queer Creek make this a pleasant stop even on warm days.
Best time to hike
Flow is best after recent rain and in spring; midsummer often slows to a trickle. Crowds build late morning through afternoon—go early for easier parking, softer light in the gorge, and fewer people. The one‑way system helps, but this is a popular stop.
Logistics and rules
There are three parking lots and on‑site restrooms. The loop is not wheelchair‑ or stroller‑friendly due to numerous steps and uneven rock. Dogs are allowed on leash. Stay on marked trails and do not wade or swim in the creek or pool at the falls.
Nearby options
If you want a longer day, the Grandma Gatewood Trail connects Old Man’s Cave, Cedar Falls, and Ash Cave. Many hikers pair Cedar Falls with one or both of those marquee sights for a greatest‑hits tour of the gorge.
Elevation
0.5 mi · 40 minWhere it starts
39.4163, -82.5247Near Cedar Falls Trail
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayDemocracy StepsArtful staircase that makes the Cedar Falls climb feel easierParking · Restroom
0.2 mi awayCedar FallsShaded gorge hike to a photogenic, rain‑fed waterfallTrailhead · Parking
0.2 mi awayCedar Falls OverlookRim-top perch with a full view of Cedar FallsScenic Viewpoint · Parking
0.8 mi awayFire Tower80-foot lookout with quick climb and sweeping treetop viewsParking · Scenic Viewpoint
1.5 mi awayWhispering Cave TrailA one-way loop to a vast recess cave and a swinging bridge.Moderate · 5 mi · 2.5 hr
1.5 mi awayWhispering Cave LoopBig recess cave, swinging bridge, and a one-way 5-mile adventure.Moderate · 5 mi · 2.5 hr
1.5 mi awayGrandma Gatewood TrailWaterfalls and recess caves on a 6 mile blue blazed traverseModerate · 6 mi · 4 hr
1.5 mi awayBroken Rock Falls TrailShort, stair-steep detour to a tucked-away waterfall alcoveModerate · 1 mi · 45 min
